Governance Facts

The Society of Actuaries (SOA) is governed by its members via the following;

• SOA Board of Directors, who adhere to the SOA strategic plan.
• SOA Bylaws, policies and other official documents.
• SOA committees, task forces, councils and other groups also help provide accountability.

Other key governance components:

• The SOA Board of Directors consists of a president, president-elect, past president and 15–20 other members elected by the fellows and referred to as "elected members."
• The SOA Board's strategic plan guides their work over a specific time on behalf of candidates, members, employers, policymakers, regulators and the public.
• SOA committees are run by and for members and include a variety of specialties and sub-specialties of the actuarial profession.

Strategic Review of Governance Structure - Fall 2025

In the fall 2024, the SOA Board of Directors launched a significant project to review key elements of the organization's governance structure. This initiative is designed to ensure the governance framework remains robust and aligned to support the organization’s long-term success and the effective execution of its strategic plan. Learn more about these developments and next steps.

Governing Documents

Below is a representative list of SOA governing documents.

• Current SOA Bylaws: Describes the SOA's purpose, types of memberships and how to join. Also explains the SOA Board of Directors, committees, nominations, elections and sections.
• Code of Professional Conduct: Outlines the professional responsibilities that SOA actuaries have to the public, their clients, employers and the actuarial profession.
• Conflict of Interest Form: Defines how anyone involved in SOA activities or decision-making must disclose conflicts, or potential conflicts. These include personal, professional or business interests that may directly or indirectly affect their activities or decisions.
• Code of Conduct for Candidates: Explains how candidates must maintain high standards of conduct and honor their responsibility to the public.
• Code of Conduct for Professional Affiliates: Requires Professional Affiliates to adhere to high standards of ethical conduct and professional practice, thereby supporting the actuarial profession in fulfilling its responsibility to the public. 
• Notices of Disciplinary Determinations: Provides information on specific disciplinary actions.